Moving In: AAR Sets Up At Rockford Airport, Will Create 500 Jobs

AAR Corporation, a global aircraft service provider, announced it's opening a new maintenance and repair hangar at the Chicago/Rockford International Airport. The move will create up to 500 jobs over the next five years.

"Illinois and Rockford are making a comeback," says Gov. Pat Quinn (D), who attended this mornings announcement. "Companies like AAR are keeping it going strong."

AAR says it chose Rockford because of its ideal location, cost effectiveness, and warehouse/distribution network.

"AAR is excited to expand our commitment to Illinois," says AAR Chairman and CEO, David Storch. "AAR is the largest operator of maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities in the United States. We are proud to add our seventh facility close to our home base." AAR has its headquarters in Wood Dale, IL near O'Hare International Airport.

The facility will be 200,000 square feet and will be operational 24 hours a day.

"This is a monumental economic and workforce development opportunity for the airport and the Rockford region," says airport Executive Director, Mike Dunn.

AAR's other facilities are spread throughout the Midwest, South, and East coast.

Construction is expected to begin within a year. The hangar is scheduled to be open by spring 2016.

Click on the video to see the ceremony announcing the major development.

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